As a twelve-year-old, I wanted to be outside with my friends all the time. Whether we were playing basketball in the driveway or hanging out under a tree, being with my friends was all that mattered to me. But there were more important matters to attend to—getting my homework done, practicing my violin, cleaning my room, and completing household chores. Usually all it would take to get me back on track was for my mom to call my name and remind me of my responsibilities for the day. On one particular occasion, as my friends and I were in the middle of a hard game of basketball, my mom came out with her customary reminder. I was having a hot game and so I ignored her. Ten minutes later, she came out again and asked for me to come in. Once again, her request was ignored. Then five minutes later, she came out, marched right into the middle of the game, and confiscated the ball, tucking it under her arm. “Inside!” mom said sternly.

In the early part of Acts chapter 1, we see that Jesus “ordered” His disciples to stay in Jerusalem to “wait for the promise of the Father.” Notice this was an order, not a request. Why would Jesus issue such an blunt directive to His disciples?

While they were grown men, the disciples still needed direction. They not only needed their attention re-focused on what was about to happen to them, but they also needed to recognize the gravity of the situation. Jesus required that they stay put and prepare for the greatness that was about to happen.

It was a call to exercise discipline, patience and vigilance . . . waiting “for the promise of the Father.” Greatness is rarely, if ever, instantaneous. It takes time. And focus. What is Jesus being blunt with you about?

Recalibrate:Under what circumstances has God been blunt in your life? How did you respond?

Respond: Once you’ve identified those blunt circumstances, reflect on what those circumstances had in common that required God to be so direct with you.

Research:Explore Scripture and find instances where God used bluntness to provide direction and what those circumstances had in common.

Recharge: Wonder/Adventure/Purpose

Play “What shall we do while we are waiting?” with your child. While waiting for breakfast. While waiting for the lights to change at a stoplight or to cross the road when taking a walk. Or waiting to go to sleep. You can sing a song, do a dance, list all your favorite things. Have fun.

Waiting can be tough, especially if you really want what you’re waiting for, like a huge bowl of ice-cream or your turn on an awesome game. Make a plan to to do something good while you wait. It could be helping someone, creating something, or going on an imaginary holiday to an amazing place.

Jesus told His disciples to wait on the Holy Spirit and then to go out and witness because the Holy Spirit is worth waiting for. Make a list of all the things that are worth waiting for: ice cream and french fries, your driver’ license, Christmas . . .